Issues

Women's Empowerment

Justice and equal rights for women and men are enshrined in international human rights standards and best practices in the pursuit of effective democratic government and social development. Women’s political participation and leadership is often impeded by a labyrinth of barriers, including cultural attitudes and practices, socio-economics, conflict and violence against women and a persistent lack of access to information and education. Women and girls are often burdened by competing priorities and excessive household responsibilities that take away time and potential interest from political activities. As an effective and valuable leader in inclusive democracy and governance, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) works to fortify women in political and electoral processes as candidates and elected leaders, technical experts in elections, engaged civil society leaders and informed voters. IFES implements innovative women’s empowerment activities to increase women’s political participation and leadership. IFES uses evidence and technical leadership to integrate gender equality and women’s empowerment activities into our democracy and governance work by providing gender-sensitive technical assistance and analysis on electoral legal frameworks, election systems and the administration of elections. IFES also consults with a broad range of women’s groups and leaders and takes into account the specific local context in which it operates to ensure gender equality and women’s empowerment programming has an effective and lasting impact.

In July, IFES and the National Elections Commission of Liberia (NEC) Gender Section produced a new guide to support the integration of women with disabilities at the NEC and in its programming. “How...

In this video interview, two former participants, Sheela Shams and Nassiba Hussaini, describe the training courses in leadership skills, good governance, public speaking, advocacy, and women's issues...

IFES invited Kodjo to Washington during the 2014 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit to take part in related events and had the opportunity to ask her about her work and the state of women’s rights in Côte d’...